Indian Psychiatrist Shamsundar, 83, arrested for shooting dog with an air gun

The Hindu
Psychiatrist arrested for firing at stray dog
Special Correspondent
November 11, 2019

A psychiatrist, who retired from NIMHANS, was arrested by the Jayanagar police for allegedly firing at a stray dog on Monday morning. The accused has been identified as Dr. Shamsundar, 83.

The police said he shot at the dog with an air gun thrice. Passers-by found the dog lying in a pool of blood and alerted animal right activists.

Based on the complaint, the police conducted inquiries before arresting Shamsundar under various sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Considering his age, the police recorded his statement, seized the air gun for further investigation, and released him on bail.

On Monday morning, the dog had relieved itself in front of his house again. When he tried to drive the canine away, it started barking. Shamsundar got his gun and fired thrice at the dog around 8.30 a.m., the police said.

The neighbours took the injured dog to Jayanagar Veterinary Clinic where it was given first-aid and later shifted to a Pet Clinic at J.P. Nagar for recovery.

Animal activist Praveen filed a complaint against him in Jayanagar police station. Jayanagar police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.

The doctor performed surgeries to remove two pellets pumped into injured dog’s abdomen.

Though the air gun was used to open fire, the shots were dangerous as they were fired from a short distance, a senior police officer said. One bullet entered the spine and another in the abdomen. The bleeding has stopped, but the dog is paralysed, the officer added.